Investigators Interview Ilhan Omar's Sister in Federal Probe

Federal investigators have interviewed Sahra Noor, the sister of Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, as the Justice Department investigates possible immigration fraud involving citizenship records. The interview comes amid scrutiny of whether Omar or her late father made false statements about her age on government paperwork, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the matter.

The investigation focuses on suspected false statements in official documents and a possible conspiracy, CNN previously reported. Investigators are examining records connected to Omar's acquisition of US citizenship in 2000.

According to people familiar with the investigation, authorities searched Omar's Washington, DC, home on October 12 under a warrant. The inquiry includes whether Omar or her now-deceased father misrepresented her age when she obtained citizenship.

Investigators are examining whether citizenship documents identified Omar as a minor when she was not. Applying for citizenship as a minor can streamline the naturalization process, according to people familiar with Omar's situation.

Omar emigrated to the United States as a Somali refugee at approximately 12 years old and became a US citizen in 2000, according to people familiar with her background.

The search followed efforts by the Trump administration to pursue an unusually broad examination of Omar's home and records. A federal magistrate judge subsequently restricted how the Justice Department could access her documents.

CNN reported that the investigation centers on questions about Omar's age at the time of her naturalization and whether statements made on government paperwork were accurate. The allegations remain the subject of an investigation.

CNN said it contacted lawyers representing Omar for comment and attempted to reach Noor. The source article did not report a response from either party.